India will be up against Australia at Kennington Oval in London on Sunday. While India beat South Africa in their first game of the tournament, Australia, on the other hand, are also coming into this match with a win against West Indies. India and Australia have played each other 11 times in the World Cup stage and the Kangaroos lead 8-3. Here we take a look at the highest run-getters in the World Cup among India and Australia.
Top 5 run-getters in World Cup (Among India and Australia)
1. Sachin Tendulkar
The chart is led by India’s Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar who began his journey in World Cup in 1992. Playing 45 matches between 1992-2011, Tendulkar notched up a total of 2278 World Cup runs at an average of 56.95. In the 44 innings, the right-handed batsman struck 6 tons and 15 half-centuries. After being a part of the Indian dressing room for six editions, Tendulkar eventually won a World Cup after MS Dhoni-led India lifted the trophy in 2011. They defeated Sri Lanka in Mumbai by 6 wickets to be crowned champions for the second time in the history of the game after 28 years.
2. Ricky Ponting
Next on the list in Australia’s most successful captain Ricky Ponting. Ponting has won two World Cups as a skipper (2003 and 2007) and one as a player (1999). In 1999, Australia defeated Pakistan while in 2003 and 2007, they beat India and Sri Lanka respectively. But apart from this, he has also been the top-scorer for Australia in the World Cups. Ponting first played for Australia in a World Cup match in 1996 and was capped 46 times since then. He scored 1743 runs at an average of 45.86 including 5 hundreds and 6 half-centuries.
3. Adam Gilchrist
Adam Gilchrist who comes at number three in this list first player for Australia in a World Cup game in 1999. He went on to play a total of 31 World Cup matches and smashed a total of 1085 runs. Gilchrist’s 31 innings included a century and 8 half-centuries, averaging 36.16. He has been a part of Australia’s World Cup-winning team thrice (1999, 2003 and 2007).
4. Sourav Ganguly
Former India captain Sourav Ganguly takes the fourth spot in this tally. Ganguly who led India during the 2003 edition has played a total of 21 World Cup matches scoring 1006 runs at an average of 55.88. The left-handed batsman struck four tons and three half-centuries during this period.
5. Mark Waugh
At number five we have Mark Waugh with 22 World Cup matches and 1004 runs for Australia. During the course of his journey, Waugh scored four tons and four half-centuries, averaging 52.84.
Wrapping up!
None of the above players though would be seen in action on Sunday as all of them have hung their boots. The last time India had met Australia in a World cup match was in 2015 semi-final. Michael Clarke’s men defeated India by 95 runs. Steve Smith hit a fascinating ton for Australia while for India it was captain and wicket-keeper batsman MS Dhoni who top-scored with 65.
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